Far infrared is spelled as /fɑr ɪnfrərɛd/. The word "far" refers to the fact that these infrared waves have longer wavelengths and lower frequencies than the more common "near" infrared waves. The term "infrared" refers to the part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths longer than those of visible light but shorter than those of radio waves. Far infrared is also known as thermal radiation because it is emitted from all objects with a temperature greater than absolute zero.
Far infrared (FIR) refers to the division of the electromagnetic spectrum with longer wavelengths than visible light but shorter wavelengths than microwaves. It is sometimes also known as thermal infrared or long-wave infrared. Far infrared radiation ranges from approximately 15 micrometers to 1 millimeter in wavelength.
Far infrared radiation is emitted by all warm objects, including the human body, and its frequency is often associated with heat and thermal energy. It is a form of radiant heat that can be felt as warmth when absorbed by the skin. Unlike ultraviolet (UV) rays, far infrared radiation is not harmful to the skin or the body.
The use of far infrared technology has become increasingly popular in various fields, including medicine, science, and technology. It is known to have unique properties that can promote various benefits such as improved blood circulation, pain relief, relaxation, detoxification, and even weight loss. Far infrared is commonly used in saunas, where the generated heat is absorbed by the body to induce sweating and initiate a deep cleansing process.
Additionally, far infrared radiation is employed in infrared spectroscopy, a technique used to analyze and identify chemical compounds, as well as in thermal imaging devices that detect and capture heat signatures from objects or bodies. Its ability to penetrate deeply into tissues and interact with different molecules makes it a valuable tool in various applications and research areas.
The word "far" in "far infrared" simply refers to the longer wavelengths of infrared radiation, which are located farthest in the electromagnetic spectrum from visible light.
"Infra" is a Latin prefix meaning "below" or "beneath", indicating that infrared radiation falls beneath the frequency of red light, which is the lowest frequency and longest wavelength of visible light.
Therefore, the term "far infrared" describes the specific range of infrared radiation that has longer wavelengths than those of visible light.